from μεστός; to replenish, i.e. (by implication) to intoxicate:--fill.
Transliteration:mestóō
Pronunciation:mes-to'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μεστόω (mestóō) is derived from the adjective μεστός (mestos, `{{G3324}}`), which means "full" or "filled." Consequently, μεστόω fundamentally means "to fill," "to make full," or "to replenish." It conveys the sense of something being completely pervaded or saturated. While its primary meaning is a literal filling, it carries an important secondary, implied meaning of "to intoxicate" when used in the context of being "filled" with an intoxicating substance, such as wine. This implication suggests being filled to the point of excess or being overwhelmed by something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb μεστόω (mestóō) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 2:13]]**: "But others mocking said, 'They are filled with new wine.'" (ἄλλοι δὲ χλευάζοντες ἔλεγον ὅτι Γλεύκους μεμεστωμένοι εἰσίν.)
* In this pivotal passage during the Day of Pentecost, the disciples, having just been filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in various tongues, are accused by some onlookers of being "filled with new wine" (γλεῦκος, `{{G1098}}`). The form used is the perfect passive participle, μεμεστωμένοι (memestōmenoi), indicating a state of having been filled or being full.
* The context is crucial: the accusation is a derogatory one, implying that the disciples are intoxicated and therefore their extraordinary behavior is merely the result of drunkenness. This is the direct instance where μεστόω takes on the implied meaning of "to intoxicate" or "to be drunk." The accusers use a common, earthly explanation to dismiss a divine, supernatural phenomenon. It highlights the stark contrast between human understanding and divine revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μεστός (mestos, `{{G3324}}`)**: The root adjective meaning "full," "filled." Understanding this base word is essential for grasping the core meaning of μεστόω. It describes a state of being completely occupied or laden.
* **πληρόω (plēroō, `{{G4137}}`)**: A very common Greek verb meaning "to fill," "to complete," or "to fulfill." While similar to μεστόω in the sense of filling, πληρόω often carries a broader semantic range, including the fulfillment of prophecy or time, and is frequently used for being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (e.g., [[Acts 2:4]], [[Ephesians 5:18]]). μεστόω, particularly in its New Testament usage, emphasizes a state of being thoroughly pervaded, often to excess.
* **ἐμπίπλημι (empipēmi, `{{G1705}}`)**: "To fill full," "to satisfy." Often used in the context of satisfying hunger or needs.
* **μεθύω (methyō, `{{G3184}}`)**: "To be drunk," "to be intoxicated." This verb directly describes the state of drunkenness, which is the *result* implied by μεστόω in [[Acts 2:13]]. The accusers essentially claim the disciples are μεθύω by stating they are μεμεστωμένοι with wine.
* **Contrast with "Filled with the Holy Spirit"**: The accusation in [[Acts 2:13]] stands in profound contrast to the actual state of the disciples: they were "filled with the Holy Spirit" (πληρόω in [[Acts 2:4]]). This highlights the difference between earthly intoxication (leading to perceived foolishness) and divine empowerment (leading to Spirit-led proclamation).
### Theological Significance
The sole New Testament occurrence of μεστόω in [[Acts 2:13]] is imbued with profound theological significance, primarily due to its context at Pentecost.
1. **Misinterpretation of Divine Activity**: The use of μεστόω to describe being "filled with new wine" by the scoffers highlights humanity's tendency to misinterpret or dismiss supernatural phenomena by attributing them to mundane or carnal causes. They could not comprehend the Spirit's work, so they resorted to a familiar, albeit false, explanation of drunkenness. This illustrates the principle that "the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" ([[1 Corinthians 2:14]]).
2. **Contrast Between Earthly and Divine "Filling"**: The accusation inadvertently draws a powerful contrast. While being "filled with wine" (as implied by μεστόω) leads to a loss of self-control, irrational behavior, and often shame, being "filled with the Holy Spirit" leads to divine empowerment, coherent proclamation of God's mighty works, and a Spirit-controlled life. The former is a negative excess, the latter a positive saturation for God's purposes.
3. **The Nature of Spiritual Experience**: The term μεστόω implies being utterly overcome or dominated by something. Although intended as a slur, it inadvertently points to the overwhelming and transformative power of the Holy Spirit that truly pervaded the disciples. They were indeed "filled," but by God's power, not by wine.
4. **A Call to Discernment**: The passage serves as a timeless reminder for believers to exercise spiritual discernment, distinguishing between worldly imitations or misinterpretations and genuine manifestations of God's Spirit.
### Summary
The Greek verb μεστόω (mestóō, `{{G3325}}`), stemming from μεστός (mestos, "full"), fundamentally means "to fill" or "to make full." Its singular New Testament appearance in [[Acts 2:13]] vividly illustrates its implied meaning of "to intoxicate" or "to be filled to excess with wine." In this pivotal Pentecost account, scoffers use μεστόω to accuse the Spirit-filled disciples of being drunk, thereby dismissing the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This usage underscores the human inclination to rationalize divine acts through earthly lenses. The theological weight of μεστόω in this context lies in the stark contrast it draws between being "filled with wine" (leading to earthly intoxication and ridicule) and being genuinely "filled with the Holy Spirit" (leading to divine empowerment, coherent witness, and the proclamation of God's mighty works). It serves as a profound lesson on spiritual discernment and the world's often-misguided perception of God's transformative power.
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